Christopher Phin

Uses language suitable for miners rather than minors. Proud xennial. Podcasting, tech, publishing, ebikes, art and design, queer shit. (I did warn you about the language.) 🏳️‍🌈

Public Key

npub1jd7k4qepun0ywqw58vvz4kxc3n9wuckdxlkulpmqege5px72umaqc94542

NIP-05 Address

chrisphin_at_mastodon.social@mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsfxlt2svs7fhj8q82rkxp2mrvgejhwvtxn0mw0sasv5v6qn09wd7s05s66g

Author Public Key

npub1jd7k4qepun0ywqw58vvz4kxc3n9wuckdxlkulpmqege5px72umaqc94542

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Last Notes

2024-11-10 13:21:54

Of course I haven’t actually had time to READ them, don’t be ridiculous, but this weekend finally got a chance to look at the latest books I’ve bought: @npub1hvd…9sq9’s beautiful, rich history of comics, and Tim Minchin’s sensational book of anti-inspiration.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/458/866/464/165/155/original/c1355581261ad7ed.jpeg

2024-08-07 19:42:02

I’m getting second-hand joy seeing the memes and excitement from my US friends over Walz (and Harris).
I’m daring to hope.

2024-07-18 08:38:31

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@npub1qw5…037m I’m weirdly happy to hear this. x

2024-07-13 14:43:26

Made some chilli jam, and one of the joyful things about making chilli jam is making far too much of it and then giving little pots to friends.
Four large Kilners not shown!
(One of the other joyful things is making little labels ☺️)
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/779/709/756/507/800/original/9c6a5452b4c4db6c.jpeg

2024-07-04 23:53:39

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@npub1u24…32pl ikr

2024-07-04 22:12:13

Watching Channel 4. Hannah Fry absolutely bossing it. Haven’t seen her do politics or live before, but she’s sensational.
But otoh. Widdecombe. Dorries. Jesus Christ.

2024-07-03 15:29:54

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@npub1qw5…037m ♥️♥️♥️

2024-06-18 08:35:47

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@npub19lt…qfjk Thank you, Terence! I'm currently self-employed (which is one of the reasons I need to sort out pensions) but I'll have a look in the subreddit!

2024-06-18 08:08:52

Seeking personal recommendations for an independent financial advisor, specifically to talk about pension arrangements.
If you’ve got someone you’ve used and liked, I’d love to hear about them.
God I hate being a grown-up sometimes. Willy! Bum!
#ifa #pensions

2024-06-17 18:44:31

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@npub1u24…32pl I think you won’t. x

2024-06-16 17:48:04

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@npub1u24…32pl F

2024-06-16 17:33:29

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@npub1u24…32pl I have two more: Apollo forever! ✊🏻

2024-06-15 17:51:18

Back from #Pride in Dundee. I am once again moved by Pride in this city. Such a joyous mix of freaks and queerdos; all euphoric, all unapologetic, all unified under a single banner. My heart is full. 🖤🤎❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/621/903/837/901/301/original/c23bf1bd97970740.jpeg

2024-05-24 17:21:06

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@npub1qw5…037m 😄😄

2024-05-24 08:23:45

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Texted my wife (who believes that you should never be required to buy a keyboard, that ‘IT should just give you one’ — by which she means the universe’s IT department), and:
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/495/101/332/670/332/original/78e26e8b16573384.png

2024-05-24 08:17:52

Haha, I got a keyboard advertised to me on Instagram, which is no surprise because I Am That Cunt, and though I only really own one, mainstream-as-hell, mechanical keyboard, I am Interested™.
So I tapped through.
Folks, it costs one thousand, two hundred and ninety-four pounds Sterling.
One thousand, two hundred and ninety-four pounds Sterling.
(And it’s sold out.)
https://geistmaschine.io/products/geist-engineering-edition-2?variant=44921588154632

2024-05-10 15:47:39

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@npub1qw5…037m I think both things are completely fair. It takes a lot to get me to engage with Discourse® these days, but I'm so 🙄🙄🙄 with armchair ad directors this time.

2024-05-10 15:22:43

Okay, fine, #Apple ad discourse:
Major narrative is: concept was fine, but destroying shit isn’t.
Fine, but the internet is full of hydraulic press Reels or Shorts of red hot metal balls melting stuff. That stuff’s huge and so there’s a clear appetite (never mind more oblique examples that predate it, such as demolition derbies) – and so I do not buy that it was ‘obvious’ that this was a mis-step.
I ain’t arguing it wasn’t, but it’s there-but-for-the-grace-of-god for me, a creative guy.

2024-05-08 16:22:54

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@npub1qw5…037m Every time.

2024-05-07 12:09:18

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@npub1qw5…037m How DARE you.

2024-05-07 12:03:37

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@npub1qw5…037m It’s amazing to me that anyone can say ‘freedom technology’ like this without realising that for a lot of people it sounds like the rebranding of French fries and freedom fries.

2024-05-06 16:34:16

God bless you, Glasgow. 😄
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/395/108/493/452/492/original/b991a95559e9d67e.jpeg

2024-05-01 13:56:18

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@npub1qw5…037m Yup, I can see that!

2024-05-01 13:50:36

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@npub1qw5…037m Yes-but. Yes, but you can hear the Tube rumble a bit. It didn’t disturb me at all, and they did supply earplugs??

2024-05-01 13:42:28

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@npub1qw5…037m I wonder how you’d get on. I have a theory that this kind of approach (esp given no need for human interaction 😄) appeals to some neurodiverse folks.

2024-05-01 11:37:49

Unsolicited recommendation for a hotel in central London. This is seconds from Tottenham Court Road, was a decent price, and just… everything I want, nothing I don’t. It’s cheap, I think, because it’s all subterranean, so no windows, but the bed’s comfy, its keyless entry via an app (smooth process, and you don’t even have to speak to anyone at reception 😄), and super-convenient. I’ll be back! https://www.zedwellhotels.com/tottenhamcourtroad
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/365/631/321/441/365/original/b1ff8da047ed0666.jpeg

2024-04-29 14:09:24

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@npub1gva…rtwm I live quite near the Falkirk Wheel and I’ve STILL never been. Do you know about the statue to the Kelpies? I think you’d like them and it!

2024-04-28 22:39:21

Whisper it, but I’m not wildly feeling this season of Taskmaster. I mean, we’re on season 17 and this is the first time I’ve felt this way, so fair fuckin’ play, but while I love two of the contestants this year, I’m not mad about the three others.

2024-04-28 19:10:18

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@npub1u24…32pl Oh, yay! Isn't it??

2024-04-27 12:21:47

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@npub1qw5…037m n + 1

2024-04-23 23:35:00

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@npub1qw5…037m HR must again insist that you wear pants under your caftan.

2024-04-23 18:14:19

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@npub1qw5…037m IT’S SO PRETTY!

2024-04-22 17:00:34

This is definitely phishing, right?
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/315/939/485/746/368/original/6c235e0e02bfd8e4.jpeg

2024-04-22 11:42:48

I’m getting much better at not self-censoring. If you’re my friend, you’re gonna get occasional lovebombings and a constant drip-drip-drip of memes and random thoughts from when you pop into my head and make me smile. Never be afraid to politely tell me to tone it down; I’d so much rather hear it from you than from the poisonous little voice in my head that tells me you’re tired of me.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/314/690/066/860/542/original/b244a13f08f284c8.png

2024-04-16 17:54:25

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@npub1qw5…037m 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

2024-04-16 16:07:30

God, I hate and love shit like this. (Paging @npub1yyx…qa5g) https://prelaunch.com/projects/byok-bring-your-own-keyboard-the-ultimate-tool-for-distraction-free-writing

2024-04-14 23:24:20

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@npub1qw5…037m That sounds like a threat to the inventor.

2024-04-10 16:43:14

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@npub1qw5…037m Sigh.

2024-04-07 23:34:57

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@npub1qw5…037m Only recently discovered them but they are a BALM.

2024-03-23 10:03:59

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@npub1qw5…037m It feels peculiarly British but I might be wrong; do y’all have “stuck” as a particularly academic word for having hit the limits of your abilities. Like, putting your hand up and saying “Miss, I’m stuck!”

2024-03-14 21:51:02

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@npub1yyx…qa5g Such a mad little carbuncle on internet history.

2024-03-10 17:18:56

A fun day kicking about St Andrews, ultimately culminating in the purchase of some feminism and some whisky. 😄
St Andrews is such a mad town. A little film set of a place completely removed by money, by its academic focus, by golf and by the suffusing middle-classness from the rest of the world. It’s like you step through a portal
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/072/532/475/338/761/original/af376109209fa52f.jpeg

2024-03-10 08:50:04

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@npub1qw5…037m @npub1dq6…kl95 We introduced them to try to control the haggis population, but it’s just created its own problem. Ah, man’s hubris.

2024-03-02 08:41:14

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@npub1vqm…ccpx That’s the thing that really struck me; the fullness and completeness of the sound. Plays tricks with your mind. (And thanks for this too!)

2024-03-01 09:23:49

A while ago my wife introduced me to Stand In Pride, where queer people can find stand-in family members for support and indeed often for big life events — when their biological families don’t show up. And so it came to pass that a couple of weeks ago I had the singular honour of walking Taylor down the aisle to marry Ruth. Family is what you make it. Love endures. Join me in wishing them a long and happy life together! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/019/702/848/206/417/original/a087a9f9b60f08b4.jpeg
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/019/703/415/337/906/original/7942918ed707d7da.jpeg

2024-02-27 17:11:32

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@npub1hvd…9sq9 Am I being exceptionally dumb or are you not shipping to the UK? Can’t see it in the drop-down.

2024-02-27 15:41:33

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@npub1qw5…037m Oh, that’s an old shot. 😄😄
Interested to hear!

2024-02-27 15:29:11

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@npub1qw5…037m I’m just praying it works. I want to get an Elgato Prompter whose screen uses DisplayLink, and i already have a large external running from my Intel MacBook Pro via a Thunderbolt 3 dock, and it’s just exotic enough a setup I’m trepidatious.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/004/153/000/417/710/original/378ad38a2c663f97.jpeg

2024-02-27 15:23:27

This is objectively a good thing, I know, but the phrase ‘This toilet has been twinned by Maureen's keep fit class’ has me SENT.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/004/130/672/871/795/original/0b386047c8fa2987.jpeg

2024-02-25 11:58:38

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@npub1yyx…qa5g Naaaaah, not always. Someone for example who is participating in a search for, I dunno, quasars by looking through raw radio telescope data as a citizen scientist is not an activist.
I do know the point you’re making about motivations and who decides, but there’s room for nuance here.

2024-02-25 11:36:52

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@npub1yyx…qa5g Interesting. I don’t disagree but I do also think there’s something positive about ‘citizen’ in those phrases that gets lost if we switch for ‘amateur’. Something about the act being undertaken for a broader civic good. And I know the point you’re making that professionals should have this in their motivations too, but they also get paid, which is another (competing???) motivation. Etc. I’m not being dogmatic here; I just think this is an interesting discussion.

2024-02-24 00:39:39

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@npub1qw5…037m Actually that reminds me I need to post about him. Please hold, caller.

2024-02-23 15:27:54

Type and design nerds! I’m considering commissioning¹ a queer² lettering artist or typographer to set a slogan³ – link me to beautiful work!
(Boosts would be awesome, and feel free to recommend yourself!)
¹ I hope to crowdfund their fee
² My definition is incredibly broad; if the artist self-identifies as queer, that’s all I need
³ Probably in a hand-drawn way rather than using fonts, but I’m open; to be used on t-shirts/stickers
#typography #design #lettering #HandLettering #calligraphy

2024-02-19 19:25:07

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@npub1qw5…037m Holy FUCK that’s pretty.

2024-02-13 17:00:21

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@npub1u24…32pl This is entirely gorgeous. Extra hugs for everyone (including you).

2024-02-12 15:13:20

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@npub1aa3…zykt LOVE a Tim Tam. A Penguin is the nearest equivalent I’ve found, but it’s methadone to the crack that is the Tim Tam.

2024-02-12 11:24:56

A bit of shameless old-school social media froth for you: what is the biscuit¹ that, when you eat it, you’re like “omg, I totally forgot how good these are; why don’t we have these all the time‽” 🍪
¹ We’re safe, lads; the Yanks are barely awake

2024-02-11 14:47:21

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@npub1qw5…037m And the baffling thing is it’s impossible to define what that energy was.

2024-02-10 12:26:48

Today’s @npub19lj…yu8x editing is being done at Dundee Contemporary Arts. @npub1u24…32pl and @npub1yx0…hrtc’s voices have been compressed, de-noised, and loudness matched to -23 LUFS; let’s get cutting! ✂️
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/907/176/764/706/072/original/758556a44e6466e7.jpeg

2024-02-09 15:29:01

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@npub1qw5…037m That too sometimes!

2024-02-09 12:58:21

It’s possible to think these two things are true at the same time: ① It helps everyone to add alt text to images, and except in very rare circumstances should you ever post images without alt text, and ② Ugh, I just wanna throw out a post and cba writing alt text 😩
② doesn’t trump ① but I think it’s good for the soul to recognise that both are valid. Anyway…

2024-02-03 21:04:14

I had no idea you could play an accordion like this. 😲 The rendition is so COMPLETE! https://youtu.be/ES3sbXY4gPk

2024-02-01 15:48:46

It happened. Kid asked me if I had any photos of me and her mum as teenagers “or had the camera not been invented yet?”

2024-01-27 08:43:46

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@npub18hd…kf64 @npub12x7…s35y Oh hello! I don’t know you so apologies for intruding, but if you don’t mind saying I’m curious what these RØDE problems were.

2024-01-26 13:13:48

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@npub1jg9…s9ga @npub13yh…a5se @npub1hvd…9sq9 Oh nice! I got my shipping notification email today. Mine apparently due Wednesday!

2024-01-18 13:49:23

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@npub1u24…32pl Yay! Give her a big high five from us!

2024-01-16 19:43:53

@npub1hvd…9sq9 This made r/bestof and seems Glenny. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/s/yFWYAdHJby

2024-01-08 14:29:18

When twats twat on about how early Christmas stuff is in the shops I’m like, can it, Linda; I’ve spent nine joyless months with nary a mince pie to be seen. Let me have this.

2024-01-02 21:40:30

@npub1u24…32pl ICYMI I think this is exactly the kind of charm in software that you like: https://mastodon.social/@chrisphin/111688467925760136
(You may know about it already!)

2024-01-02 21:26:13

Noticed a cute little feature of Continuity Camera (which lets you use your iPhone as a webcam on a Mac) which I didn’t know about, so I did what any sane person would do: recorded and edited a quick three-camera setup to show you. https://youtu.be/u9izyH432_s

2024-01-02 15:48:24

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@npub1qw5…037m Yes, guv’nor.

2023-12-30 21:15:29

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@npub1hvd…9sq9 My definition has definitely shifted, and it’s not as simple as ‘n+15, lol’. When I was a kid, I’d have considered anyone who’s an independent adult as old, say, 30+. Now, it’s ages where typically you lose independence, say, 80+. 🤔

2023-12-29 10:50:56

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@npub1tps…9rmt @npub1nj8…tg80 It’s like the post I talk about in this video: labels (and tribes) help you feel like a normal zebra rather than a failed horse. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cs7PX21opRZ/?igsh=MXd2MDVhcHdldmN3cw==
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/663/320/438/442/538/original/fd087399c49aa0cb.png

2023-12-25 17:30:17

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@npub1hvd…9sq9 What about my enemy Glenn? What’s that prick been getting up to?

2023-12-14 11:35:34

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@npub1u24…32pl NO I KNOW THIS BUT I LOVE IT and will never tire of being reminded of it!

2023-12-06 13:39:46

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@npub1u24…32pl Hard agree on both points. Latter to prescriptive, and too much friction in overriding.

2023-12-06 13:10:24

I presume many people before me have said the same thing, but I really wish Apple would track my emoji use, synced across devices, so I could see what I'm using most, and trends.
I'm pretty sure my top emoji this year are 😅😏♥️ – with the first a very clear winner 😅 – but I wish the 'frequently used' pane was 'all time' rather than whatever window it's currently resetting on.
Okay, 'really wish' is strong, but I'd love to see it.

2023-11-22 14:05:34

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@npub1u24…32pl Yay! Love to see you doing more Shorts.

2023-11-21 15:10:50

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@npub1qw5…037m @npub1dq6…kl95 Oh, as I started reading the start of that post, I assumed it was going to make the oft-repeated point that much of disruptive startup culture is explicitly designed to replicate mums for these man-babies. Uber for giving them lifts to soccer practice, DoorDash for making them their dindins, etc.

2023-11-21 14:55:46

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@npub1qw5…037m @npub1dq6…kl95 FOR SOME REASON the adage fails to make any mention of putting things back together again.

2023-11-03 13:32:43

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@npub1qw5…037m From sinking into the arms of Morpheus into the sweet release of death.

2023-11-03 13:22:39

It’s remarkable how often the phrase “god, I’d love a little nap right now” creeps into the brain of a 43 year-old man.

2023-11-01 15:52:22

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@npub1qw5…037m Wonder how many Airs (at least as that segment was traditionally set; a bit different in the M era) were literally never plugged into any external display. Hell, I suspect it's a biger percentage than you’d think that never had ANYTHING bar the power cable plugged into them.

2023-10-29 22:27:13

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@npub1hvd…9sq9 I’m going to keep repeating it because I amuse at least myself: the ever-present danger of a formerly counter-cultural comedian becoming a reactionary old fart is called The Sword of Damocleese.

2023-10-26 12:50:43

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@npub1u24…32pl 😍😍😍

2023-10-18 09:49:10

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@npub1u24…32pl @npub1yx0…hrtc I am mollified. 😉 (I might even be embarrassed; I can't now recall the exact form of words you used, so you might have been entirely accurate!)

2023-10-18 08:25:53

@npub1u24…32pl @npub1yx0…hrtc You'll have SoC edit done latest EOP today, but I couldn't let this go un-noted: Lemmings wasn't invented in bloody Liverpool. 😄 It was created in this building in Dundee: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jmMYJGJySqYbWFmX6
Look carefully in the city and you'll find the little critters… https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/lemmings-statue

2023-10-17 07:39:35

At some point the YouTube algo decided a tiny video I made showing off the charming UI sounds of Newton OS was something people would like, and it’s racked up more than 61,000 views. The comments are funny; loads of people saying they’ve no idea why it was recommended to them, but loving it regardless. (Which suggests the algo knows what it’s doing, dammit.) https://youtu.be/aH9BwYFNjoM

2023-10-16 18:35:53

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@npub1yyx…qa5g I mean, I’d heard of neither, but that passage is basically MADE of red flags [with little swastikas on them].

2023-10-15 17:18:55

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@npub1hvd…9sq9 You’re very mercurial, Glenn.

2023-10-11 22:35:56

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@npub1hvd…9sq9 And certainly never before my name. So I might do the below…
Cx

2023-10-11 22:08:24

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@npub1hvd…9sq9 lol, my immediate question was about how he parsed the ‘o’ in ‘xo’.
He said that (like me) he’d parse the ‘o’ as a hug. But that ‘xo’ is more usual there rather than ‘x’.

2023-10-11 21:16:27

Lighting up the Pants In The Boot¹ Batsignal: I am informed by someone who grew up in the US that ‘x' is a British thing. Like, he parses it as a kiss, so he knows what it means, but as a… signoff…? he thinks it's British. 🤯
cc @npub1hvd…9sq9 and the gang
¹ https://www.theincomparable.com/pants/

2023-10-11 13:02:03

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@npub1qw5…037m It was App Library that killed this compulsion stone dead in me. I have three screens of apps. 95% of the time, I'm on the Home screen, 4.5% of the time on apps from the second, 0.5% of the time on the third. But after that, App Library is total Here Be Dragons shit. I'm fortunate to have plenty of capacity, so I don't NEED to pare. I sometimes worry about the privacy implications of these zombie apps on my phone, but likewise the thought of actually addressing it fills me with ennui.

2023-10-08 14:06:44

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@npub1yyx…qa5g I can judge you.

2023-09-24 18:36:46

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@npub1u24…32pl Well done all of you. Including Arya. 😄

2023-09-22 19:45:41

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@npub1qw5…037m At least one of the statements in your alt text is a lie.

2023-09-15 19:31:44

Stumbled across this EXTREMELY 2004 PICTURE in my photos. By the looks of it I’m writing a review of Gmail. (Still use one of those folding keyboards with my iPhone when I’m travelling light.)
Funny story: one of the much-lauded features of Gmail was its spam filters, so as part of my testing, I signed up for a buncha porn sites (for science!). HOW WAS I TO KNOW my Gmail address was to become a key identifier on the web over the next decades‽
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/070/825/643/596/096/original/a04e02834126ac6f.jpeg

2023-09-14 07:09:46

Is this interesting? Reactions to Apple’s Mother Nature skit here on Mastodon have been universally negative — cringe, self-indulgent, the mention of carbon credits, padding — but I’ve only seen positive reactions on LinkedIn, where people praised weaving a ‘boring’ message into a masterful piece of storytelling. Makes me wonder about the intended audience.

2023-09-13 13:35:53

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@npub1qw5…037m And I like big phones too.